Three-weight world champion Badou Jack is eyeing a monumental leap into a fourth weight class, setting the stage for a direct clash with Tony Bellew over the WBC bridgerweight title. Jack, the first Muslim to clinch a world title in Saudi Arabia, expressed his readiness for another historic challenge, aiming for the bridgerweight crown currently held by Lukasz Rozanski. This announcement comes shortly after Bellew, at 41, hinted at a comeback and interest in Rozanski's title, escalating the competition between the two fighters. Tony Bellew, a former WBC cruiserweight champion from Liverpool, England, has carved out a notable career in professional boxing with his hard-hitting style and never-say-die attitude. Bellew, known for his passionate and fiery persona both inside and outside the ring, achieved widespread recognition after moving up to cruiserweight, where he claimed the WBC title in a dramatic knockout victory over Ilunga Makabu at Goodison Park in 2016. His journey through the sport has been marked by high-profile fights, including memorable bouts against David Haye, where he secured two back-to-back victories against the odds. Bellew's ability to engage with fans, coupled with his dramatic fight finishes, has made him a beloved figure in British boxing. Despite announcing his retirement following a loss to Oleksandr Usyk in 2018 for the undisputed cruiserweight championship, Bellew's name continues to surface in discussions about potential comeback fights, underlining his lasting impact on the sport and his enduring appeal to the boxing community. Jack, known for his legacy in the ring across multiple divisions, is training in Dubai, fueled by the ambition to conclude his illustrious career with a significant impact. With both Jack and Bellew eyeing the same goal, the potential showdown could become a landmark event in the emerging Middle Eastern boxing scene, promising an unforgettable battle for the bridgerweight title. Would you like to see Badou Jack gun for the Bridgerweight title vs Tony Bellew? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

There's been a buzz in the MMA world as RIZIN President Nobuyuki Sakakibara and UFC executive Dana White were recently spotted together, fueling speculation about potential collaborations. In recent weeks, White has been seen meeting with various combat sports promoters, including Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing and David Feldman of BKFC. Now, Sakakibara joins the list, raising questions about what the two influential figures have in store. The history between Sakakibara and White goes back to the days of PRIDE, a renowned MMA organization that rivaled the UFC in the 90s and early 2000s. PRIDE was eventually acquired by the UFC, leading Sakakibara to take a hiatus until he founded RIZIN in 2015. With a strong roster featuring talents like Kyoji Horiguchi, RIZIN has established itself as a major player in the MMA scene. Sakakibara has been a vocal advocate for co-promotion in MMA, believing it can benefit the sport. His recent meeting with White at the UFC headquarters hints at the potential for collaboration or discussions on shared interests. While the details of their conversation remain under wraps, Sakakibara teased fans to stay tuned for updates, indicating that something significant may be in the works. Speculation is rife about whether the meeting could be linked to Kyoji Horiguchi, RIZIN's flyweight champion who recently expressed his intention to return to the UFC despite contractual obligations with RIZIN and Bellator. The meeting raises the possibility of negotiations or plans involving Horiguchi's future in MMA, adding an intriguing twist to the story.

Daniel Dubois has thrown down the gauntlet to IBF heavyweight mandatory Filip Hrgovic, aiming for a showdown on the March 8th Anthony Joshua vs. Francis Ngannou undercard in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Coming off a stunning tenth-round knockout of Jarrell Miller, Dubois (20-2, 19 KOs) is eyeing a clash with the 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Hrgovic (17-0, 14 KOs). With Hrgovic inching closer to a world title shot, it's uncertain if he'll risk facing the formidable Dubois, especially with the looming undisputed title fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk on May 18th. However, Turki Alalshikh's influence could sway Hrgovic to accept the challenging bout. Dubois, showcasing confidence and power against Miller, seems too formidable a challenge for Hrgovic, hinting at a potential knockout victory. Despite Hrgovic's punching prowess, Dubois's size and body shots pose a significant threat, especially given Hrgovic's recent shaky performances against Demsey McKean and Zhilei Zhang. The latter fight, in particular, stirred controversy, with many believing Zhang deserved the win. Dubois, too, faced controversy in his bout against Usyk, with a crucial punch deemed a low blow, though replays suggested otherwise. As Dubois calls out Hrgovic, the boxing world watches, anticipating whether this compelling matchup will materialize on the grand stage in Riyadh. Comment your thoughts on this match up!

Jake Paul, the popular YouTuber-turned-boxer, has set his sights on becoming the greatest cruiserweight in the world by defeating Australia's Jai Opetaia within the next year. He also expressed support for Tim Tszyu, the WBO super welterweight champion, and Alexander Volkanovski, the UFC featherweight champion. Ahead of his upcoming bout against Ryan Bourland on March 2 in Puerto Rico, Paul emphasized his determination to secure a title shot against Opetaia, currently ranked as one of boxing's most recognized athletes. Despite Bourland's limited recent activity in the ring, Paul sees him as a stepping stone towards his goal of challenging Opetaia. "I've seen some clips of him and he's a great fighter," Paul said of Opetaia. "Great, great fighter. He had that crazy knockout in his last fight (against Ellis Zorro), timed that perfectly. And he has star potential. Has that star power. It could be very interesting to see what happens over the next 18 months to two years." Regarding Opetaia, who is preparing for a rematch against Mairis Briedis for the IBF strap, Paul acknowledged his skills and star potential, predicting an interesting development in the boxing scene over the next 18 months to two years. When asked to compare himself to Opetaia, Paul expressed confidence in his abilities, stating that he believes he is the best fighter in the world based on his natural talent, IQ, adaptability, toughness, preparation, and team support. "I'm the best in the world," Paul stressed. "That's what I believe. And that's what every fighter who gets to where they want to be believes. And you have to believe it before the statistics or rounds of fights put you there. I believe all things considered, my natural ability, my talent, my IQ, all of these things, my ability to learn, to adapt, my toughness, preparation, my will power, my team, all of the things behind me, I believe that I am the best fighter in the world." In addition to his ambitions in boxing, Paul voiced his support for Tszyu, describing him as a fighter in his prime and favoring him to defeat Keith Thurman in an upcoming bout in Las Vegas. He also praised Volkanovski's resilience and character, predicting a victory for him in his featherweight title defense at UFC 298 against Ilia Topuira. "He's great," Paul said of Tszyu. "And I think he's going to win. He's in his moment, in his stride, where as Keith Thurman is not. His time has passed." Despite Volkanovski's recent loss to Islam Makhachev, Paul believes in his ability to overcome the odds and break a UFC curse for fighters over 35 in title fights between flyweight and welterweight divisions. "I think he (Volkanovski) is going to win," Paul said. "So it could be 28 or 29 years old." Looking ahead to his own fight against Bourland, Paul sees it as an opportunity to face a challenging opponent who will push him to become the best version of himself in the ring. He expressed determination to continue his path towards becoming a world champion, criticizing other big-name fighters for their reluctance to sign contracts and engage in meaningful bouts.

Teofimo Lopez successfully defended his WBO junior welterweight title against Jamaine Ortiz in a 12-round championship match at Las Vegas' Michelob ULTRA Arena. Despite Ortiz's disciplined performance and defensive prowess, judges Tim Cheatham (115-113), David Sutherland (115-113), and Steve Weisfeld (117-111) unanimously favored Lopez's aggressive style, securing him the victory. Throughout the fight, Ortiz, typically a right-handed boxer, exclusively fought from a southpaw stance, showcasing his strategic approach and frustrating Lopez. While Lopez trailed on the scorecards going into the later rounds, his relentless pursuit paid off as he secured the win, avoiding another upset after his loss to George Kambosos Jr. in 2021. Despite being a 7-1 favorite, Lopez struggled to impose his offensive game plan against Ortiz's defensive tactics. CompuBox statistics showed Ortiz landing just two more punches than Lopez, highlighting the close nature of the contest. In a post-fight interview with ESPN's Bernardo Osuna, Lopez expressed frustration with the lack of action and criticized Ortiz for not engaging more aggressively. Despite the victory, Lopez's performance fell short of his previous impressive win against Josh Taylor. For Ortiz, the loss was a missed opportunity to claim a world title and avenge his previous defeat to Lopez. While not an entertaining fight, Ortiz's defensive style proved effective in neutralizing Lopez's offense, leading to a cautious and tactical bout. Lopez's attempts to land decisive blows in the final round were thwarted by Ortiz's defensive skills, ultimately leading to a decision victory for the defending champion. Despite the lack of fireworks, both fighters displayed technical skill and determination throughout the match.

The latest Top 5 rankings for each Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) weight class have been announced by a panel of combat sports journalists following the BKFC 57 event at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL. These rankings are updated and released weekly. MEN'S POUND-FOR-POUND Lorenzo Hunt (11-1) +1 Luis Palomino (9-1) -1 David Mundell (8-1) Reggie Barnett Jr. (9-3) Mike Perry (4-0) HEAVYWEIGHT Champion: Mick Terrill (7-1) Arnold Adams (7-3) +1 Josh Copeland (2-1) +1 Josh Watson (2-1) +1 Alan Belcher (4-0) -3 David Oskar (3-1) CRUISERWEIGHT Champion: Lorenzo Hunt (11-1) Houston Alexander (4-0) Jeremy Smith (3-1) Chris Camozzi (2-1) Sawyer Depee (4-2) Quentin Henry (5-2) LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT Champion: Lorenzo Hunt (11-1) Jared Warren (6-2, 1 NC) Danny Christie (3-1) Isaac Doolittle (3-2-1) Josh Dyer (2-1, 2 NC) Tony Jenkins (3-0) MIDDLEWEIGHT Champion: David Mundell (8-1) Mike Perry (4-0) Doug Coltrane (3-1) Francesco Ricchi (5-2) Dakota Cochrane (4-2) Josh Moreno (3-0) WELTERWEIGHT Champion: Austin Trout (2-0) Jake Lindsey (4-1) Carlos Trinidad (4-0) Rico Franco (3-0) Elvin Brito (5-4) Gorjan Slaveski (6-0) -5 LIGHTWEIGHT Champion: Vacant Luis Palomino (9-1) -1 Tony Soto (6-0) -1 James Lilley (3-1) -1 Bryce Henry (4-0) Bobby Taylor (5-2) -2 FEATHERWEIGHT Champion: Kai Stewart (5-0) Louie Lopez (3-2) Brandon Allen (4-1) Howard Davis (5-2-1) James Brown (2-0) Bryan Duran (6-0) NR BANTAMWEIGHT Champion: Keith Richardson (4-0) Reggie Barnett Jr. (9-3) Jarod Grant (5-2) Ryan Reber (4-0) Alberto Blas (4-0) NR Travis Thompson (5-5) -1 FLYWEIGHT Champion: John Dodson (3-0) JR Ridge (3-2) Tyler Randall (2-2) Matt Russo (2-0) Chancy Wilson (3-3) Andrew Strode (1-0) WOMEN’S FLYWEIGHT Champion: Christine Ferea (8-1) Jade Masson Wong (2-1) Taylor Starling (3-2) Bec Rawlings (3-3) Christine Vicens (2-0) Gabrielle Roman (1-0-1) WOMEN’S STRAWWEIGHT Champion: Britain Hart (8-3) Jenny Clausius (3-2) Jayme Hinshaw (2-0) Melanie Shah (2-1) Po Denman (2-0) Fani Peloumpi (1-0) These rankings reflect the latest developments in the BKFC following the BKFC 57 event. The rankings are subject to change as new events and fights take place in the future.

In the world of mixed martial arts, collaboration often breeds success. As the countdown to UFC 300 intensifies, the MMA community is abuzz with news of an unexpected partnership between two formidable fighters: Cris Cyborg and Holly Holm. With Kayla Harrison looming as a formidable opponent, Holm is enlisting the help of none other than Cyborg in her quest for victory. Cris Cyborg, the Bellator featherweight champion, is no stranger to the octagon or to the caliber of competition that Holm faces. Having shared the cage with Holm in a memorable showdown back in 2017, Cyborg brings a wealth of experience and insight to the table. As Holm gears up to face Harrison, Cyborg is poised to lend her expertise and support in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she will join Holm's training camp. Expressing her excitement for the collaboration, Cyborg emphasized her admiration for Holm, hailing her as a legend and an inspiration to female fighters everywhere. With a shared goal of securing victory against Harrison, Cyborg's presence in Holm's camp promises to elevate the preparation and performance of the former UFC bantamweight champion. As the training intensifies and the fight approaches, both Holm and Cyborg are focused on the task at hand. While Holm looks to turn the tables on Harrison and secure a pivotal win at UFC 300, Cyborg is eyeing potential matchups of her own, including a showdown with Larissa Pacheco. With determination and dedication fueling their efforts, both fighters are primed to make their mark on the MMA landscape once again. As Cris Cyborg joins forces with Holly Holm in preparation for the showdown against Kayla Harrison at UFC 300, the MMA world eagerly anticipates the outcome of this dynamic collaboration. With Cyborg's invaluable contributions and Holm's unwavering determination, fans can expect nothing short of an electrifying performance come fight night. Stay tuned as these two MMA stalwarts unite in pursuit of victory and glory in the octagon.

In the world of mixed martial arts, drama often unfolds both inside and outside the cage. Sage Northcutt, the rising star known as "Super Sage," finds himself embroiled in a dispute with ONE Championship following his unexpected withdrawal from a highly anticipated showdown with Japanese MMA legend Shinya Aoki. What seemed like a routine fight cancellation has turned into a heated exchange of accusations and grievances. In a surprising turn of events, Sage Northcutt's clash with Shinya Aoki was scrapped at the eleventh hour, citing unforeseen issues with Northcutt's cornermen. However, Northcutt took to social media to refute ONE Championship's explanation, alleging mismanagement and misinformation regarding his coaching staff's visa requirements. According to Northcutt, he diligently provided ONE Championship with the necessary paperwork for his coaches' visas well in advance. Despite assurances from the promotion, Northcutt claims that he was blindsided by the sudden revelation that two of his coaches were barred from cornering him mere hours before the fight. Moreover, he expressed concerns about potential legal ramifications for his coaches due to ONE's alleged mismanagement. The fallout from the saga has cast a shadow over Northcutt's future with ONE Championship. Beyond the immediate disappointment of missing out on a career-defining bout with Aoki, Northcutt's allegations raise questions about the promotion's handling of various issues, including drug testing, weight-cutting policies, and overall stability. Amid the controversy, MMA Fighting has reached out to both Sage Northcutt's team and ONE Championship for further clarification. As fans await responses from the involved parties, the fallout from Northcutt's withdrawal serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by athletes in the world of professional MMA. While Sage Northcutt's clash with Shinya Aoki may have been derailed by unforeseen circumstances, the fallout has ignited a firestorm of controversy and speculation. As both sides present their perspectives, the MMA community watches closely, eager for resolution and clarity amid the drama surrounding Northcutt's withdrawal from the ONE Championship event.

Tyson Fury, despite rumors of retirement, is still looking ahead to potential boxing matches with Oleksandr Usyk, Francis Ngannou, and Anthony Joshua. The 'Gypsy King' recently withdrew from his scheduled February 17th bout with 'The Cat' due to a severe cut sustained in sparring. The fight was poised to crown the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis accomplished the feat two decades ago. However, fans will have to wait as the bout has been postponed. Fury is now set to face Oleksandr Usyk on May 18th in Saudi Arabia, with both boxers facing a $10 million fine if they withdraw. Despite speculation that the bout with Usyk could be his last, given his previous retirements, Fury appears to have no plans to retire anytime soon. In an Instagram post today, the lineal heavyweight champion expressed his desire for future fights with Anthony Joshua and Francis Ngannou. Joshua and Ngannou are expected to box on March 8th in Saudi Arabia. Turki Alalshikh has repeatedly expressed his intention to match the winner of Joshua vs. Ngannou against the winner of Fury vs. Usyk. Fury seems to be on board with this plan, indicating his interest in facing both heavyweights in the future, possibly Joshua twice. 'I keep hearing talk of people saying I should retire, or I’m going to retire soon, or whatever,' Fury stated in a video message posted on social media. 'I ain’t retiring anywhere. I’ve got two fights with Usyk for the undisputed title. Twice. Then, I’m going to fight 'AJ' once, maybe twice if there’s a rematch. If he wants one, after the first battering of him.' He continued, 'Then I’m going to fight Ngannou again, and that’s just to start. So there’s five little fights for you, to whet your appetite with. I’m going nowhere! Nowhere! I’m a 35-year-old in the prime of my life, and I’m ready to smash all [of them].'" Tyson Fury faced Francis Ngannou last October in Ngannou's first boxing match. Despite being a massive underdog, Ngannou nearly upset Fury, dropping him in round three and cutting him, but ultimately losing by split decision. Both fighters expressed interest in a rematch, but due to Fury's upcoming fight with Usyk, the rematch couldn't be arranged immediately. Nonetheless, it appears that Fury remains keen on facing Ngannou again.

The stage is set for the ultimate showdown in the world of mixed martial arts as UFC 300 approaches. UFC CEO Dana White has promised a lineup that will go down in history, so brace yourselves for a night of adrenaline-pumping action and surprises as former champs collide in the opening bout, setting the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable event. After a tumultuous year, the UFC is gearing up to make a triumphant return to Las Vegas on April 13 with UFC 300. With a slew of blockbuster fights already scheduled for the first quarter, including highly anticipated title matchups, fans are on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting what promises to be an electrifying night of fights. While speculation runs wild about the potential return of Conor McGregor, UFC CEO Dana White has dropped a bombshell regarding the opening bout of UFC 300. In a recent interview, White unveiled that former champions Deiveson Figueiredo and Cody Garbrandt will kick off the monumental event with a clash of titans at the T-Mobile Arena. White's announcement has sent shockwaves through the MMA community, igniting excitement and speculation about what other epic matchups await on the UFC 300 fight card. With every fight poised to deliver high-octane action, fans can expect a night filled with jaw-dropping moments and unforgettable battles. In one corner stands Deiveson Figueiredo, the former flyweight titleholder, making his mark in the bantamweight division with a stellar performance in his debut at 135 pounds. Across the octagon, Cody Garbrandt, a former bantamweight champion, aims to continue his resurgence after a string of impressive victories. As the countdown to UFC 300 begins, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be a historic night in the world of MMA. With the opening bout setting the stage for an epic showdown between former champions, fans can rest assured that UFC 300 will deliver thrills, spills, and unforgettable moments that will be talked about for years to come. So mark your calendars and get ready for a night of non-stop action at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

UFC Vegas 86, scheduled for this weekend at the Apex in Las Vegas, will be a closed event to the public, following an announcement by Dana White that Elon Musk will be in attendance. The event, taking place before the Super Bowl, which is also happening in Vegas on Sunday, has attracted a host of celebrities to the city. White confirmed that Musk will be among the attendees at Saturday night's event. The main event of UFC Vegas 86 features a middleweight bout between Jack Hermansson and Joe Pyfer. White expressed enthusiasm for hosting the event in Las Vegas, particularly during the Super Bowl weekend. 'To do it in our hometown, a no-brainer to have Slap Friday, UFC Saturday, and Sunday the Super Bowl is a no-brainer,' White remarked during an interview on Radio Row with the Las Vegas Review-Journal. With Musk's attendance, UFC Vegas 86 has closed off ticket sales to the public, and media access to the event has been restricted by White. This is not the first time a UFC event at the Apex has been closed to the public and media for a celebrity guest. Last year, Mark Zuckerberg attended a similar event, which was also closed to the public and media. Musk and White have a cordial relationship, with White previously attempting to organize a fight between Musk and Zuckerberg last year, although it did not materialize.

Oleksandr Usyk, the IBF, IBO, WBA, and WBO heavyweight champion, has expressed no ill will towards WBC champion Tyson Fury, despite their scheduled bout being postponed. The highly anticipated clash was set for February 17 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, but was delayed after Fury sustained a severe cut during a sparring session in training camp. The fight has been rescheduled for May 18. Usyk clarified that he harbors no resentment towards Fury. 'Why? Because he holds my fourth belt. He has played a significant role in making me famous. We should all love friends, non-friends, acquaintances, and all people. It's great to be polite, not rude,' Usyk stated. The Ukrainian fighter also provided insight into his training camp, noting that it was progressing well. 'I reflected on all the work I've done - early mornings, jogging, swimming, sparring - and thought, 'Wow, that's some good work.' Then I thought about the additional training I will do and the good work I will continue to do,' Usyk shared. Looking ahead, Usyk expressed confidence in his preparation. 'With God's help, when I finish this work, I'll be ready to face three Tyson Furys. We can do it all at once or one by one on Saturday, Sunday, and then Monday,' he remarked. Regarding speculation about the authenticity of Fury's injury, Usyk remained focused on his own journey. 'What will change if I watch a video and start shouting 'it's fake' or 'it's not fake?' Nothing will change. What happened has happened. Being nervous about it will only waste your energy,' Usyk commented. While acknowledging Fury's ambition to become an undisputed champion, Usyk hinted at concerns about Fury's dedication to training. 'Does he take boxing seriously? He claims he wants to be undisputed but doesn't always take his training seriously. I don't want to judge Tyson Fury; I'm just saying that sometimes our plans don't align with the plans of the higher power,' Usyk concluded."